Transforming Pain and Panic: The Benefits of A Gentle Approach to Fitness

One of my all-time favorite Disney movies is Hercules. Lately, I have been thinking particularly of the bumbling yet endearing duo of Pain and Panic.

These comedic sidekicks of Hades, Pain and Panic, epitomize the chaos that can ensue when we let discomfort get the best of us. Their antics remind us that pushing ourselves to the brink can lead to more than just a few laughs; it can lead to panic and a whole lot of unnecessary turmoil. In the fitness world, a prominent mantra is "no pain, no gain" and that pushing ourselves to pain is a reward, somehow proving to us that we are closer to being a Hercules. However, in inflicting (in fact, inviting) this pain, we may inadvertently invoke panic in our bodies, leading to injury, stress, and setbacks.

The Essentrics technique is a fundamentally different approach. This philosophy revolves around the belief that fitness should not involve suffering. While I encourage you to challenge yourself (stretch deeper, suspend longer through a pose), this challenge should not push through to pain; that is never the goal in Essentrics. Instead, I advocate for a more gentle interaction with our bodies, one that prioritizes awareness and mindfulness over the typical 'no pain, no gain' mentality.

Why is this important? When your body feels pain, it can trigger a fight-or-flight response similar to what Pain and Panic experience in 'Hercules.' Instead of positively adapting to a challenge, you can find yourself in a state of tension and fear. This reaction, which is called the Myotacic Reflex, not only disrupts your progress but can also amplify the issues you're facing. The Myotactic Reflex triggers emergency messages from your brain that prevent your muscles from stretching further and ultimately limit your range of motion, creating a cycle of strain and discomfort.

Instead of barreling through pain, I suggest taking a step back—literally and figuratively. Listen to your body, note where it's comfortable, and allow space for relaxation and recovery. Move slowly through your stretches, focusing on deep, controlled breathwork. This method utilizes what is called the Golgi Tendon Reflex, which is a protective involuntary neuromuscular reflex that relaxes the tendons in response to a muscle contraction., thus releasing stress on the muscle tendons and relieving potentially harmful or painful tension, promoting better circulation, enhancing flexibility, and ultimately leading to a more profound sense of well-being. As you align your movement with your breath and a sense of relaxation, your body learns to let go of tension rather than clinging to it out of fear.

So, the next time you're on your fitness journey and feel the urge to push through pain, challenge yourself responsibly and move towards your goals with patience, awareness, and a little bit of humor, just like Hercules did as he navigated the challenges set by Hades. Leave Pain and Panic behind; they are not your friends. Embrace a fitness philosophy like Essentrics that respects your body and prioritizes long-term health over momentary discomfort.

It's about feeling good and finding joy in movement—not a battleground of discomfort. After all, moving through life should be about celebrating our strength rather than battling our limitations.

Join us in one of my Essentrics classes on this journey, where we approach fitness with confidence, banishing pain in pursuit of empowerment and joy.